About this Unit
Naval Hospital Guam was established in 1899, following the U.S. acquisition of Guam after the Spanish-American War, making it one of the oldest continuously operating U.S. naval hospitals in the Pacific. During World War II, the hospital played a critical role in treating thousands of American and Allied casualties following the liberation of Guam in 1944. Over the decades, it has provided vital medical support during regional conflicts, humanitarian missions, and natural disasters throughout the Pacific. Today, Naval Hospital Guam remains a key facility for the U.S. Navy, supporting service members, their families, and the local population.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: Naval Hospital Guam was originally established in 1899, but its most significant early role came after the U.S. recaptured Guam from Japanese forces in July 1944. The hospital was set up to treat the thousands of wounded during the fierce battles of the Pacific campaign.
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Largest Field Hospital: At its peak during WWII, Naval Hospital Guam became the largest overseas military hospital in the world, with a capacity of over 4,000 beds and caring for more than 100,000 casualties.
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Barrigada Location: After the war, the hospital moved from its original site in Asan to its current location in Agana Heights (Barrigada), which opened in 1954.
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Typhoon Karen (1962): The hospital played a vital role in disaster relief after Typhoon Karen devastated Guam in 1962, providing care and shelter for thousands of local residents.
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Vietnam War Support: Naval Hospital Guam received and treated many casualties from the Vietnam War, serving as a key medical evacuation and treatment center for wounded service members.
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Operation New Life (1975): The hospital supported humanitarian efforts during Operation New Life, providing medical care to over 100,000 Vietnamese refugees temporarily housed on Guam after the fall of Saigon.
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Modernization: In 1997, the current state-of-the-art facility was opened, replacing the older buildings and providing advanced care for military personnel, dependents, and veterans in the Pacific region.
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Cultural Heritage: The hospital employs Chamorro staff and partners with the local community, reflecting the island’s unique blend of military and indigenous cultures.
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COVID-19 Response: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Naval Hospital Guam was instrumental in providing testing, treatment, and vaccination to service members and the local population, including the USS Theodore Roosevelt outbreak in 2020.
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Training and Research Hub: The hospital is a critical training site for Navy corpsmen and medical officers, and it often participates in medical research and readiness exercises throughout the Pacific.
